Small business technology consulting
Make a sound decision
Compare software, hardware, cloud services or supplier proposals before you commit. I’ll help focus your spending on useful, good-value choices.
Explore technology advisoryBrisbane technology consultant for small business
Good technology starts with a good conversation.
I’m Steve Goodwin. For more than 35 years, I’ve helped people shape ideas, build products and bring them to market, while making sound technology decisions and using their budgets wisely.
I provide independent technology consulting for small businesses, startups and SMEs in Brisbane and across Australia—covering technology strategy, software and hardware decisions, architecture, modernisation and practical AI.
Still working out what you need? That’s a perfectly good place to start.
35+
years
in the field
in the field
Direct adviceYou work with me, start to finish.
Practical answersPlain language and sensible options.
Affordable by designLow overheads, useful work first.
A little about me
Hello. I’m here to help.
After a successful career, I’m fortunate to choose work I genuinely enjoy: listening to someone’s idea or problem, finding a practical way forward and helping them succeed.
I founded Software Development Pty Ltd in 2003 after years in systems engineering, software development and IT consulting. Since then I’ve kept designing, building, choosing, connecting and supporting technology in the real world from small business systems to specialist software, cloud platforms and complex operational environments.
My work often sits between business owners, leaders, users, suppliers and technical teams. I help bring different needs together as practical direction, an achievable delivery plan and systems people can actually use.
Bring me the problem in your own words. I’ll ask the right questions, explain the trade-offs and help you find a way forward that fits your needs and budget.
“My job is to make the technology fit you and the way you work.”
Technology consulting services
Start with the decision, idea or system in front of you.
Sometimes you need an independent second opinion. Sometimes you need an experienced adviser to stay alongside you as decisions are made. I’m comfortable doing both.
Ideas, products & prototypes
Bring an idea to life
Turn a sketch, spreadsheet or “could this work better?” into a clear plan, prototype or working product, building the right amount at each stage.
See how I help shape ideasSystems review & modernisation
Make existing systems work better
Bring ageing software, disconnected tools and awkward processes into a more dependable, joined-up way of working. We’ll find the real cause and choose the most useful improvement.
Explore independent systems adviceSoftware architecture consulting
Build solid foundations
Get the architecture, data, integrations, security, backups and delivery approach right so your technology can keep serving you as you grow.
Explore architecture consultingFractional CTO & technology advisory
Add senior experience
Use me as a fractional CTO, technical mentor, project reviewer or independent voice, with a flexible level of seasoned guidance that suits your organisation.
Explore fractional CTO supportPractical AI consulting
Use AI where it earns its place
Explore assistants, automation and knowledge tools with clear eyes. I’ll recommend the approach that works best, including proven tools when they suit the need.
More about responsible AI adviceEspecially useful for
Individuals with an idea
Small businesses
Startups
SMEs
Teams needing a second opinion
Selected past work
Experience built in the real world.
Across industries and technologies, the aim has stayed the same: understand the real need and build something dependable around it.
01
Business platforms
OneFlow
I designed this configurable platform for workflows, reporting, analytics, accounting and tailored business applications so each new problem could start from proven common foundations.
02
Workforce development
TMS.Global
I led cloud architecture, data models, reporting and delivery work for Team Management Systems’ psychometric and organisational analytics platform.
03
Health & behavioural research
Propelo & BeUpstanding
I helped translate research programs into practical digital platforms for messaging, participant engagement, structured workflows and analytics.
04
Mining & infrastructure
Magman, TunnelTrap & DataTrap Pro
I helped build specialist systems that made planning, shift operations, explosives management, vibration monitoring and geospatial engineering data usable in the field.
05
Utilities & field work
Aeropower field systems
I developed mobile and cloud tools that connected field inspections, GPS, imagery, vegetation assessment and laser-clearance work with practical asset reporting.
06
Enterprise change
Architecture & modernisation
Architecture and modernisation work for Queensland Police Service, plus solution architecture within a DXC engagement supporting the BHP and Whitehaven Coal operational transition.
Every scale receives the same care and judgement. I’ve also developed trust-accounting and compliance software, market-analysis tools, integrations, reporting systems and many purpose-built business applications.
Experience & hard skills
Sound systems are built on solid foundations.
Technology changes quickly. Strong systems still rely on enduring principles.
I’ve worked from the server room to the boardroom and from the first conversation to production support. That breadth matters: a good recommendation has to survive budgets, existing systems, busy people and everyday use.
AI can be useful when it genuinely improves a result. It delivers its best work when the problem is clear and the solution rests on strong data, sound architecture and experienced human judgement. Good engineering, security, testing, communication and accountability still do the heavy lifting.
People I’ve worked alongside
Success is something you build together.
A few words from people I’ve helped over the years.
“Steve has a real focus on understanding our business requirements and delivering practical software solutions.”
“Steve is responsive, agile, and highly professional. He consistently goes above and beyond on every project.”
“Steve delivers the highest quality product and service at a reasonable cost and gets projects from concept to commercial reality quickly.”
Why I keep doing this
I still love work that helps people succeed.
I run a lean independent practice with low overheads, which lets me keep my rates deliberately affordable. You get my time, experience and attention directly throughout the work.
I keep the practice intentionally small because I enjoy finding solutions that make a real difference and helping people and organisations succeed.
Community work: For non-profits, charities and education initiatives where I can see a credible, direct benefit to people, I’m also willing to volunteer some of my time. If your project could genuinely help others, please tell me about it.
- Small one-off consultations, clearly scoped work or ongoing support
- Options explained before you spend
- An honest answer when the simplest solution is enough
Start a conversation
Bring me the messy version.
A few honest sentences are enough. Tell me what you’re trying to do and where you’re stuck.